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Counsels for the Church
will be used by our enemies to condemn us. These will not be used
merely to condemn those who made the statements, but will be charged
upon the whole body of Adventists. Our accusers will say that on such
and such a day one of our responsible men said thus and so against the
administration of the laws of this government. Many will be astonished
to see how many things have been cherished and remembered that
will give point to the arguments of our adversaries. Many will be
surprised to hear their own words strained into a meaning that they
did not intend them to have. Then let our workers be careful to speak
guardedly at all times and under all circumstances. Let all beware lest
by reckless expressions they bring on a time of trouble before the great
crisis which is to try men’s souls.
We should remember that the world will judge us by what we
appear to be. Let those who are seeking to represent Christ be careful
not to exhibit inconsistent features of character. Before we come fully
to the front, let us see to it that the Holy Spirit is poured upon us from
on high. When this is the case, we shall give a decided message, but
it will be of a far less condemnatory character than that which some
have been giving; and all who believe will be far more earnest for the
salvation of our opponents. Let God have the matter of condemning
authorities and governments wholly in His own keeping. In meekness
and love let us as faithful sentinels defend the principles of truth as it
is in Jesus
Sunday Laws
Religious powers, allied to heaven by profession, and claiming to
have the characteristics of a lamb, will show by their acts that they
have the heart of a dragon and that they are instigated and controlled
by Satan. The time is coming when God’s people will feel the hand of
persecution because they keep holy the seventh day. Satan has caused
the change of the Sabbath in the hope of carrying out his purpose for
the defeat of God’s plans. He seeks to make the commands of God of
less force in the world than human laws. The man of sin, who thought
to change times and laws, and who has always oppressed the people
of God, will cause laws to be made enforcing the observance of the
first day of the week. But God’s people are to stand firm for Him. And
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Testimonies for the Church 6:394-397